Page 69 of Ties That Bind Us

“Where are we—” He silenced me with another kiss. I was suddenly uncomfortable in my skimpy swimsuit and barely there cover-up. It was okay when we were going to the rooftop but now I knew we were leaving the complex.

“No questions, remember?” he said playfully, pulling me alongside him and opening the car door for me.

Nick was quiet most of the drive, and I had no idea where we were heading. It was dark, and we were in a part of town I didn’t recognize. Nick was offering no clues, so I stared out the window, taking in my surroundings and trying to piece it together. I wasn’t very good with surprises, and Nick was certainly good at testing me.

When Nick finally stopped the car, we were in the middle of nowhere.

“Nick, where are we?” I asked, climbing out of the car, shivering in the stiff breeze. I had very little clothing on, and hadn’t planned on traipsing through an empty field tonight.

“Just wait for it.” Nick smiled smugly, completely content with himself.

I waited patiently but nothing happened. Nick frowned, and I had to stifle my laughter. Things didn’t seem to be working out according to his plan. “Just another second,” he coaxed, holding my hand tightly.

All of a sudden a giant roar came from the sky above us. Just as I looked up, an airplane flew by, so close the wind from it blew my hair in all directions, like I was inside of a tornado.

“Jesus, Nick, this is your idea of relaxing? Are you trying to give me a heart attack?” I panted, holding my racing heart.

Nick smiled, grasping my shoulders and turning me around. There was a personal jet behind me.

“No, baby. That plane is going to take us to my idea of relaxing.”

A plane? We were going on a trip? “Nick . . . what are you . . . I don’t . . .”

“Shhhh,” he said, pulling me toward the plane by my hand. “No protests, remember?”

“I agreed to that before I knew you were trying to take me out of the state.” I laughed, crossing my arms over my chest.

“Country.”

“What?” I frowned.

“I’m taking you out of the country. To Saint Lucia.” Nick grabbed a bag from the backseat of the car then locked it behind him.

“Nick, we can’t just pick up and leave. I don’t have any clothes, I have class, I have to find a job . . .”

Nick put his hands on his hips, exasperated. “Are you out of excuses yet?”

I bit my lip. I had to admit the idea was intriguing, but the timing seemed off.

“You don’t have to find a job yet, there will be plenty of time for that. And you already got approval to take a few weeks off of class because of the shooting. As for clothes, I packed a bag for you and it’s waiting on the plane, but I assure you, clothes won’t be necessary. Hell, if I could have you naked on that plane, I wouldn’t have even let you bring a swimsuit.”

I rolled my eyes. This wasn’t a good idea. There was so much going on in our lives, we couldn’t just pick up and leave. What about my family? Nick’s family? What about all the things we had left to do for the wedding? Could Nick actually leave work with all that was happening? The idea of a vacation was bliss, but I didn’t know how practical it was.

“Nick, we can’t. What am I supposed to tell my parents?” My protests were shallow. I wanted to get on that plane and fly away from everything with him more than just about anything in the world.

“You don’t have to tell them anything.” Nick threw his hands in the air. “Ava, we need a break. Both of us. Things have been stressful lately and it’s only going to get more chaotic with the wedding coming.” He reached into his back pocket and produced both of our passports. “Humor me, okay? I rented us a villa right on the beach for five days. Nothing to worry about but all the places we’re going to make love.”

“You’re insane, you know that?’ I arched an eyebrow at him, laughing to myself.

“Please, baby.” He practically stuck his bottom lip out, pleading with me.

Now he was playing the guilt card. “Are you sure this is a good idea?”

“Oh, I’m positive it’s a good idea. I’ve already decided we’re going, but I’m trying to give you the illusion of control before I haul you over my shoulder and throw you onto that plane.” Nick narrowed his eyes playfully.

“You wouldn’t.” I laughed, not completely convinced.

As if reading my mind, Nick wrapped his arms around my waist and threw me over his shoulder just as he promised.

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